This was something that I never thought I'd see myself doing...running for office. Since I'm from the Chicago area, I don't have any experience with 'farmland Illinois'. This is all changing since my roommate is from Armstrong, IL. I've been exposed to many different things I didn't know.

Mike Koen - 2004 Citizen

Elk Grove Village

2009 Topics for Essay and Oration Contests

Essay Contest

The "Castleman Award" and $1000 scholarship is awarded annually to the citizen who presents the best original essay on some phase of the Constitution of the United States. 

The essay must be over 500 words, but should not exceed 1000 words, in length.  It is important that the essays be legibly written in good literary style, properly paragraphed, punctuated, etc.

All contestants are required to use the Official Boys State Essay Cover Sheet, in which the contestant must sign an affidavit that the essay which they have presented for competition is original and that all direct quotations have been properly indicated.

Oration Contest

The "Getchell Award" is a $1000 scholarship awarded annually to the citizen who prepared the best original four to six minute oration on a selected topic about Abraham Lincoln. 

After a preliminary round of presentations, ten finalists will be selected to deliver their orations before qualified judges. The final decision will be based on the customary oratorical contest points of content, organization, and delivery.

Contestants must understand that the contest is for original orations only, and that the customary rules of such contests which limit direct quotations to fify words at one time will be enforced. Contestants are free to use notes during their presentation.

Past Winners